From the Guardian · · 2m
Pakistan jails Khan's sisters before protest
Three sisters of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan arrested as government cracks down on planned nationwide march demanding his release.
In brief
Three sisters of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan arrested as government cracks down on planned nationwide march demanding his release. Pakistan arrested three sisters of former PM Imran Khan ahead of a nationwide protest demanding his release, escalating a crackdown on his supporters. Originally reported by the…
Three sisters arrested in crackdown
Pakistan detained Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, sisters of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan, for thirty days under a warrant accusing them of threatening public order.
Sisters have advocated for Khan's release
Since Khan's arrest on corruption charges in twenty twenty-three, his sisters have been vocal advocates for his release, camping outside his prison and demanding to see him.
Family alleges solitary confinement and denial of care
Khan's family and PTI party allege he is held in solitary confinement, denied family visits and calls for six months, and prevented from accessing vital medical treatment for an eye condition.
Arrests escalate before Sunday march
The arrests marked a dramatic escalation of crackdown on PTI members ahead of a nationwide long march on Sunday to demand Khan's release and protest alleged erosion of democracy.
Heavy-handed detention of entire household
Hundreds of police officers surrounded the family home in Lahore. More than one hundred entered and arrested Uzma and Noreen along with their children, grandchildren aged four and six, and household staff.
Lawyer says no access to family or counsel
Their lawyer Rana Mudassir Umar said the sisters were not allowed family access, legal counsel access, or even to bring clothes or basic things. He challenged their arrests in Lahore high court.
“They have not been allowed any family access, no legal counsellor access and they were not even allowed to bring clothes or basic things.”
Khan's sons accuse army chief of vendetta
Khan's two sons, based in London, accused Pakistan's army chief Field Marshall Asim Munir of a personal vendetta against their father and alleged authorities were slowly killing Khan in prison.
“slowly killing”
Government fortifies capital to block march
Islamabad was transformed into a fortress with barriers, armed security and shipping containers blocking entrances. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would find a permanent solution to prevent the march.
At a glance
Pakistan arrested three sisters of former PM Imran Khan ahead of a nationwide protest demanding his release, escalating a crackdown on his supporters.
